by Jason Johnston
There are literally hundreds of tips, tricks and rules to healthy eating. In Part 1 of this series, we take a look at 10 “no brainers” for eating healthier
1. Thou shalt not finish your plate
While this contradicts your parent’s “finish your plate before you leave the table” rule, the simple truth is that we often eat more than what we need to because we want to finish what we started. By stopping when you feel satisfied (not full), those left over few bites will help to reduce your stomach from expanding. AllHealthCanada.com Easy Reminder: “Better to go to waste than to my waist.”
2. Thou shalt not swallow what thy cannot pronounce
If the ingredients to your meal look like items that can be found in a science experiment, it’s in your best interest not to consume it. By avoiding these set ingredients, you can be sure that you’re consuming more of the unmanufactured foods that your parents ate growing up. Avoid preservatives and other chemical additives at all costs. AllHealthCanada.com Easy Reminder: “Avoid ingredients from a lab to help reduce the flab”
3. Thou must not dial that fast food number
We’re all guilty of an easy and convenient call to the local pizza place or fast food joint. While this is an easy solution fulfill that hungry stomach, the reality is that you can make several simply and healthy meals in less time than it will take for the delivery guy to show up. Try keeping a few fresh veggies in your fridge, along with some poultry or fish. If you’re not a planner, it’s better to have something in your freezer, which can still be thawed and cooked to ensure a healthier meal. AllHealthCanada.com Easy Reminder: “Fast fingers leads to fast pounds”
4. Thou shalt avoid imitation and highly processed food
Artificial butter? Artificial flavour? Fake fats? Articial taste? Yuck. Why are you trying to eat something that is pretending to be something else? Any way you cut it, it’s not good for you. Choose butter over margarine and real cheese over processed cheese as examples. AllHealthCanada.com Easy Reminder: “Imitation will not lead to flattery”
5. Doth a food by any other name be as good? No.
We all have our favourites, whether it’s a Whopper, Doritos, Big Mac or Frosty. Just what are those special ingredients and are they really special or simply extra calories and fats that we should be avoiding? Cook your own hamburger with a little thousand islands dressing to replace your favourite burger or make your own smoothie. As a rule of thumb, if you cook it or make it, it’s going to be healthier than the local fast food joint. AllHealthCanada.com Easy Reminder: “Make it yourself to ensure your Health”
6. Thou may pay more, but though can eat less
Reality finds that better food costs more money. Lean beef costs more than regular beef and tastier healthier fish costs more than the common catch. There’s a simple trick to offset cost: eat less. Focus your shopping efforts on quality cuts of meat, lean beef and organic chicken and fish, but purchase 20% less than you normally would. This will lead to a greater consumption of quality food, while reducing you overall food intake. To further save, buy in bulk and freeze. AllHealthCanada.com Easy Reminder: “Pay more now, or pay way more for it later”
7. Thou shalt feast at dawn and east briskly at dusk
Our bodies metabolize our meals over the course of the day as we go about our work and activities. Our bodies then essentially hibernate over night, storing the excess foods in our system. By any logic, eating more early in the morning and less as the day progresses makes sense. East a large, healthy breakfast, a moderate lunch and a small and sensible dinner. This will ensure that our bodies are able to process what we consume and metabolize as needed. You’ll also notice a boost in your energy level throughout the day when you do this! AllHealthCanada.com Easy Reminder: “Start your day as a lion and conclude it as a bird”
8. Thou must know one plant from another
If part of your meal comes from a plant or vegetation, such as beans or sprouts, go for it! If, however; it took the hands of chemists or manufacturers in a plant, chances are in your favour to avoid it. Simply put, fruits and vegetables, especially organic ones, are great for us and some even argue that we should eat them in unlimited supply. Be aware of sugar-rich perishables like carrots, but know that mostly all vegetables and fruits are good choices. AllHealthCanada.com Easy Reminder: “If made in a plant, good luck fitting into your pants”
9. Thou shalt understand that your diet is not black and white
As a general rule, the whiter the bread, the worse is it for you. Can you imagine taking a pure shot of sugar? Well, every time you consume a few slices of bread, you’re pretty much doing just that. White flour actually metabolizes as sugar within your system leaving you with very little nutrients, inflammation and an excess of sugar intake. Whole grains, on the other hand, are full of good stuff like healthy fats, vitamin B and fiber. AllHealthCanada.com Easy Reminder: “White leaves your pants tight. Whole gain helps eliminate gain.”
10. Is thou wine cup half full or empty?
It’s true that most alcohols are loaded with sugars and preservatives that we should avoid consuming, so limiting our alcohol consumption is a necessity for our health. With that being said, similar to the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”, so too can be said that “a glass of wine a day keeps the doctor away”. It’s scientifically (and anecdotally) proven that moderate consumption of alcohol can actually lead to greater health, longer life and a reduced chance of heart disease. Cheers to that. AllHealthCanada.com Easy Reminder: “A spirit or glass of wine per day keeps the doctors away and the mind at play”
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